Owners have filed 69 complaints
about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Sonic. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Chevrolet Sonic
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
24.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
715.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1431.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1022.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
715.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
48.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
12.6% risk
2016 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD
12.6% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2016peak 4Feb 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V422000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
16V257000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20162921,882 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with a "Bring Your Own Media" (BYOM) radio may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection and CMVSS 208 - Occupant Protection in Frontal Impacts. The radio software may fail to provide an audible warning/reminder chime that meets the requirements of the standard when the key is left in the ignition and the driver door is opened, or when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt. This can sometimes occur when the driver turns the ignition off with the headlamp or hazard warning flashers on and then restarts the vehicle while the radio is going through the “sleep” sequence. The loss of an audible warning when a key is left in the ignition may increase the risk of vehicle theft, and may fail to alert the driver that he or she is unbelted, increasing the risk of injury to the driver in a crash. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the radio with corrected operating software. Note: This recall involves vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 2016-191 that now require re-inspection and repair.
Recall 201619129,849 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with a "Bring Your Own Media" (BYOM) radio may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection. The radio software may fail to provide an audible warning/reminder chime that meets the requirements of the standard if the ignition key is left in the off position and the driver delays opening the driver’s door for more than 10 minutes, or opens and closes the door several times. The loss of an audible warning when a key is left in the ignition may increase the risk of vehicle theft. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the radio with corrected operating software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Worcester, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My vehicle malfunctioned Driving on my way to work entering a large parking area connected stores. I saw a available parking spot in between 2 cars I drove in the spot lined up car and put my car in park completely stopped.I looked to my right then to my left to be sure I wasn't to close to the other two vehicles then I opened my drivers door to check if I was within the line.I was just on the line.As soon as I shut the door the doors locked the engine roared so loud I thought it was going to explode then the safety belt latched on so tight pulled me back at same time the car plummeted forward extreme acceleration into a brick building. Instantly the bags deployed as I halted forward I put up my arms up panic knowing I was going into the bldg once impacted hit bldg I heard a loud screech sound.once hit the car instantly reversed backwards at this same extreme speed I then was going backwards. I managed to step my foot on the break it stopped the car. I was about 65 feet when it completely stopped in reverse. I opened the door and fled got got my belt off.The impact with bags was pain was excruciating did save my life. I don't know how I survived this accident. My car was in park gear ignition still on. This car completely malfunctioned.Previous engine light on for 3 to 4 day. I need this investigated with the box It will show reading I was in park .The insurance company will not provide this box data to me and Dealership is unreachable.
NHTSA complaint #11443384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gadsden, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasn’t my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasn’t my fault and it’s the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I have all these expeensives that I cannot pay for.
NHTSA complaint #11438724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR APPROX 2 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #11364059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesWebster, TX1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RAZOR SHARP PEELING CHROME FROM INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES CUTS FINGERS AND HANDS, SAFETY HAZARD TO A DRIVER AWAY FROM HOME OR NOT NEAR BANDAGES. COMMON GM PROBLEM FROM SONIC, CRUZE, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, EQUINOX, SILVERADOS. ALL GM MODELS
NHTSA complaint #11340829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,131 milesDallas, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN ONTO A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS IDLING AT A STOP SIGN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE HOOD AND FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION SHOP BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE OTHER DRIVER SUSTAINED SMALL CUTS THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,131.
NHTSA complaint #11278369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesLargo, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO CARMAX (2550 ROOSEVELT BLVD, CLEARWATER, FL 33760, (727) 507-0790). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 900227. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11118152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Yuba City, CA
ENGINE
This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue. For some reason there was a recall but they stopped fixing cars with 1.4 engines that came out after 2014. There cars don't have temperature gauges and when they overheat they don't tell you until a light comes on the dash and by then it's too late and your engine is blown. This should be illegal. Chevrolet needs to fix this.
NHTSA complaint #11718737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11713403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesReading, PA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would unlock from the normal position and almost fell into the driver’s lap. The contact stated that failure of the steering wheel was frequent and occurred while driving at various speeds. The failure with the door was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesReading, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power locks functioned as designed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would unlock from the normal position and almost fell into the driver’s lap. The contact stated that failure of the steering wheel was frequent and occurred while driving at various speeds. The failure with the door was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,299 milesBuffalo, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Intake Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts needed to be sealed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,299.
NHTSA complaint #11595505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,299 milesBuffalo, NY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Intake Plenum Gasket and other unknown parts needed to be sealed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,299.
NHTSA complaint #11595505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rolla, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery.
NHTSA complaint #11541260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rolla, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the same exact thing is happening. There needs to be a recall on this
NHTSA complaint #11541262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAlbrightsville, PA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAlbrightsville, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPMs increased but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the cruise control would erroneously activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesRochester, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the coolant to the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times and the thermostat housing was replaced three times due to its plastic-based material. The contact stated that she was unable to drive the vehicle for more than an hour and a half without a reoccurrence of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had melted. The independent mechanic advised the contact to purchase a new vehicle like the engine compartment of the vehicle was poorly made. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to assist the contact with scheduling an appointment with the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle's approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11444626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesRochester, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to stall inadvertently. The engine overheating warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact's friend came on the scene and provided her with engine coolant, and she added the coolant to the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times and the thermostat housing was replaced three times due to its plastic-based material. The contact stated that she was unable to drive the vehicle for more than an hour and a half without a reoccurrence of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had melted. The independent mechanic advised the contact to purchase a new vehicle like the engine compartment of the vehicle was poorly made. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to assist the contact with scheduling an appointment with the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle's approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11444626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My vehicle malfunctioned Driving on my way to work entering a large parking area connected stores. I saw a available parking spot in between 2 cars I drove in the spot lined up car and put my car in park completely stopped.I looked to my right then to my left to be sure I wasn't to close to the other two vehicles then I opened my drivers door to check if I was within the line.I was just on the line.As soon as I shut the door the doors locked the engine roared so loud I thought it was going to explode then the safety belt latched on so tight pulled me back at same time the car plummeted forward extreme acceleration into a brick building. Instantly the bags deployed as I halted forward I put up my arms up panic knowing I was going into the bldg once impacted hit bldg I heard a loud screech sound.once hit the car instantly reversed backwards at this same extreme speed I then was going backwards. I managed to step my foot on the break it stopped the car. I was about 65 feet when it completely stopped in reverse. I opened the door and fled got got my belt off.The impact with bags was pain was excruciating did save my life. I don't know how I survived this accident. My car was in park gear ignition still on. This car completely malfunctioned.Previous engine light on for 3 to 4 day. I need this investigated with the box It will show reading I was in park .The insurance company will not provide this box data to me and Dealership is unreachable.
NHTSA complaint #11443384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gadsden, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
Hello, I need you guys help. I got into a car wrecked which wasn’t my fault. The airbags they deployed and my child car seat was damage. I got a police report stating that the car accident wasn’t my fault and it’s the fault of a 16 year old. He merge straight into my Car and I have all these expeensives that I cannot pay for.
NHTSA complaint #11438724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEAT DOESNT WORK. KEEPS BLOWING OUT COOL AIR. THIS PAST SUMMER THE AC WOULDN'T WORK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BUT THEY FIXED IT. I BELIEVE THE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #11394748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
ENGINE
THE HEAT DOESNT WORK. KEEPS BLOWING OUT COOL AIR. THIS PAST SUMMER THE AC WOULDN'T WORK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BUT THEY FIXED IT. I BELIEVE THE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #11394748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesVolo, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS DO NOT MAKE SOUND WHEN ACTIVE
NHTSA complaint #11384973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesMilton, DE
SEATS
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER STOPPED WORKING. I CLICK THE BUTTON, THE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THEN SHUTS RIGHT BACK OFF. I'VE TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON AND BACK OFF AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING.
NHTSA complaint #11372897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJacksonville, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING EVERY TIME I HAD TO PUT GAS IN IT THEN IT WOULDN'T CRANK AT ALL AND WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETREMINE THAT THIS FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE HAS CREATED AN INABILITY TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING AND EVERY TIME WE GET IT RUNNING IT REPEATEDLY CUTS OFF TILL WE REV IT UP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEN IT TRIES TO CUT OFF EVERY TIME WE STOP AT A LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11365051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR APPROX 2 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #11364059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,008 milesWestminster, CO
SEAT BELTS
I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVY SONIC LT IN JANUARY OF 2020. IT HAS ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. INITIALLY, I BELIEVED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS JUST SLOW. IN MARCH, 2020 I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD TURN THE CAR ON THE RADIO/COMPUTER WOULD SOMETIMES TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO BOOT UP. THEN ONCE BOOTED, THE BACK-UP CAMERA LINES WOULD NOT SHOW UP. ONLY OCCASIONALLY WOULD THE GUIDING LINES APPEAR ON THE SCREEN. THEN, A PROBLEM DEVELOPED WHERE AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND LOCKED THE DOORS, THE RADIO WOULD CONTINUE PLAYING UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED OR THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THIS FIRST OCCURRED IN MAY 2020 AND WOULD OCCUR PERIODICALLY OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. IN JUNE 2020, THE RADIO WOULD RANDOMLY NOT BOOT WHEN STARTED OR BOOT EVEN MORE SLOWLY THAN USUAL. SOMETIMES I COULD DRIVE TEN OR TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE THE COMPUTER WOULD FINALLY TURN ON. OTHER TIMES THE COMPUTER WOULD NEVER TURN ON. YET AGAIN, THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO RESTART THE CAR OR DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. ON AUGUST 1, 2020, THE RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL, EVEN AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR OR RECONNECTING THE BATTERY. NOW THAT THE RADIO IS COMPLETELY NONOPERATIONAL, OTHER SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN EFFECTED, TOO. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BLINKERS DO NOT SIGNAL PROPERLY. ALTHOUGH THEY BLINK, I DO NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION THAT THEY ARE ENGAGED (NO BLINKING SOUND). THE SEAT BELT, DOOR AJAR, AND KEY IN IGNITION WARNING DO NOT SOUND ANYMORE EITHER. ADDITIONALLY, THE COLLISION NOTIFICATION AND LANE RECOGNITION NO LONGER PRODUCE AN AUDIBLE WARNING. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, THE RADIO AND ALL RELATED SOUND COMPONENTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY SOLUTION YET. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR PROBLEMS SUCH AS THESE FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT NONE OF THEM ARE CURRENTLY OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11343257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,008 milesWestminster, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVY SONIC LT IN JANUARY OF 2020. IT HAS ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. INITIALLY, I BELIEVED THAT THE COMPUTER WAS JUST SLOW. IN MARCH, 2020 I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD TURN THE CAR ON THE RADIO/COMPUTER WOULD SOMETIMES TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO BOOT UP. THEN ONCE BOOTED, THE BACK-UP CAMERA LINES WOULD NOT SHOW UP. ONLY OCCASIONALLY WOULD THE GUIDING LINES APPEAR ON THE SCREEN. THEN, A PROBLEM DEVELOPED WHERE AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND LOCKED THE DOORS, THE RADIO WOULD CONTINUE PLAYING UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED OR THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THIS FIRST OCCURRED IN MAY 2020 AND WOULD OCCUR PERIODICALLY OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. IN JUNE 2020, THE RADIO WOULD RANDOMLY NOT BOOT WHEN STARTED OR BOOT EVEN MORE SLOWLY THAN USUAL. SOMETIMES I COULD DRIVE TEN OR TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE THE COMPUTER WOULD FINALLY TURN ON. OTHER TIMES THE COMPUTER WOULD NEVER TURN ON. YET AGAIN, THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO RESTART THE CAR OR DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. ON AUGUST 1, 2020, THE RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL, EVEN AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR OR RECONNECTING THE BATTERY. NOW THAT THE RADIO IS COMPLETELY NONOPERATIONAL, OTHER SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN EFFECTED, TOO. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BLINKERS DO NOT SIGNAL PROPERLY. ALTHOUGH THEY BLINK, I DO NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION THAT THEY ARE ENGAGED (NO BLINKING SOUND). THE SEAT BELT, DOOR AJAR, AND KEY IN IGNITION WARNING DO NOT SOUND ANYMORE EITHER. ADDITIONALLY, THE COLLISION NOTIFICATION AND LANE RECOGNITION NO LONGER PRODUCE AN AUDIBLE WARNING. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, THE RADIO AND ALL RELATED SOUND COMPONENTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY SOLUTION YET. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR PROBLEMS SUCH AS THESE FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT NONE OF THEM ARE CURRENTLY OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11343257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11342404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11342404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesWebster, TX1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RAZOR SHARP PEELING CHROME FROM INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES CUTS FINGERS AND HANDS, SAFETY HAZARD TO A DRIVER AWAY FROM HOME OR NOT NEAR BANDAGES. COMMON GM PROBLEM FROM SONIC, CRUZE, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, EQUINOX, SILVERADOS. ALL GM MODELS
NHTSA complaint #11340829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
